Couples / Relationships Counselling

Couples counselling is a form of talking therapy that aims to improve communication and resolve issues between a couple in a welcoming, safe, non judgemental atmosphere.

Our couple counsellors offer help with a range of problems

Communication difficulties

Lack of trust

An affair or betrayal

Sexual issues

Family conflicts

Work related stress

Life changes

Many couples come after several years of difficulty, others hope to explore underlying problems before they become too severe.

What to expect

Counsellors usually offer one or two assessment sessions to identify the main areas of difficulty. If it is agreed that couple counselling would be helpful,counsellors are likely to:

Reflect on the history of the relationship

Explore how the past is operating in the present,and likely to impact on the future

Identify how arguments begin and worsen

How external factors, such as family issues affect a couple

Negotiate and resolve conflicts where possible

Promote constructive communication

The aim is to enable couples to make sense of what is happening, and through that understanding to find their own ways of dealing with problems within their relationship. This may be through staying together or separating. The counsellor is there to facilitate couples in making their own decisions about the best way forward for them.

Counsellors can offer day and evening appointments, the latter are in great demand so there may be a wait for these.

The counsellors who offer this service are:

Marian Brindle

I have worked with couples since the 1990s, and augmented this through continuing professional development at workshops and seminars. I offer 1 or 2 initial assessment sessions to enable us to identify how our work together may best progress. Depending on the outcome of the assessment ongoing work may involve seeing you together or be a combination of individual and joint sessions. I offer couples work on Wednesdays at the Dunton Centre. It is usually easier to arrange appointments during the daytime.My current fee is £55 per session.

Margaret Fosbrook

I have a background in Social work and in 1970 completed a full time, 12 month training at the Tavistock Institute of Marital Studies (now known as Tavistock Relations). At an initial assessment meeting we would explore your situation, agree a way forward together, confirm regular ongoing sessions and discuss any questions and concerns you may have about couple counselling. I aim to provide a safe, welcoming non judgemental environment, so communication between you can become more open.

This process can lead to increased understanding of what lies behind your current difficulties, paying attention to both the past and present, and leading to the changes you are hoping will come about.

I see clients on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Evening appointments are in great demand so daytime sessions are usually easier to arrange. Fees £55 for 1 hour.

Annie Jones

I hold an Advanced Diploma in Person Centred Couples Counselling.When working with couples, my aim is to create a safe space where both parties can express their views and feelings and feel confident that they are being listened to with equal care, empathy and attention.

I work hard to understand the individual experiences of both of my clients, even when these appear contradictory. By creating a 'listening' environment I believe my clients come to hear each other better, which in turn leads to improved communication and greater understanding.

I see clients Monday – Friday both during the day and in the evening, although it s usually easier to arrange a daytime appointment.